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Hello and welcome! My name is Ben Barker. I’m a Chicago-based artist in service of a world with more equity, empathy and joy. Originally from Massachusetts, I made my way to the Midwest after attending Northwestern University, and I’m grateful to have found a home and purpose here. When I’m not on stage you might find me directing students in a Shakespearean tragedy, knocking on doors to fire up voters or cooking something concerningly delicious in the kitchen. Fundamentally, my passions of theatre, teaching and politics are connected by a belief that good storytelling can change the world. That if we all could put ourselves more fully in a stranger’s shoes we’d find ourselves lifting each other up. I want to be a part of stories and institutions that include and value everyone, especially those who have historically been left out and continue to be actively harmed. If your theatre is committed to this type of work, count me in.